Breaking the Hush Factor: A New Book for Talking to Teens about Sex

A new book that teaches adults how to have meaningful discussions about sex with teenagers.

Breaking the Hush Factor: Ten Rules for Talking to Teens about Sex is not your typical parenting book. It’s for parents and other adults with teenagers in their lives. It offers practical advice that is purposely inclusive of all genders and sexualities, with a sex positive approach that goes beyond risk prevention. Readers will be guided through a step by step structure of how to have those intimate and sometime difficult conversations.

Author Dr. Karen Rayne has a long track record as a sexual health advocate. She has been working in sex education with all ages for the past decade and is Chair of the National Sex Ed Conference. Dr. Rayne founded HaveYouSeenSex.com and Unhushed in order to open the conversation about sexuality in the home.

The book will be available in stores and online June 14th. An indigo campaign, currently underway, will not only fund publication costs; it is designed to include parents in the co-creation of the second edition.

What is the “Hush Factor”?

The “Hush Factor” refers to the social silence and stigma surrounding sexuality. Numerous studies have shown that having continuous, shame-free and fact-based conversation about sex is one of the most effective ways to increase safer sex practices and decrease unwanted sexual outcomes. According to Planned Parenthood, parents are the most important sex educators for their children. Teens who report having good conversations with their parents about sex are more likely to delay sexual activity and use condoms and other contraceptives when they do have sex.

Having “the talk” in positive ways is crucial for helping young people navigate the choices they face and stand up for themselves in all situations, both sexual and otherwise.

Breaking the Hush Factor gives adults the ability to have honest discussion with teens by helping us overcome the cultural shame attached to sexuality and sexual pleasure in particular.

In short, parents need to read this book. Listen to Dr. Rayne discuss her ten steps in this video.

About Lucky Bloke

Recognizing widespread condom myths, and aiming to empower couples to enjoy more satisfying experiences in safer sex, Lucky Bloke is committed to making it easier for anyone and everyone to find condoms they love to use. Lucky Bloke offers guidance and education on condom sizing and fit, along with a carefully curated assortment of strictly superior condoms and lube from around the world. Ten percent of our profits support urgent humanitarian causes, and organizations: such as charity:water, Scarleteen and UNICEF.

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